Temporary wall for use in conjunction with the filling of dental cavities



March 3, 1953 v. LANE 2,629,930

TEMPORARY WALL. FOR USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FILLING OF DENTAL CAVITIES Filed Oct. 14, 1950 INVEN TOR.

vlcl'ok. LA E- A TTORNE Y5 Patented Mar. 3, 1953 TEMPORARY WALL FOR USE IN CONJUNC- TION WITH THE FILLING OF DENTAL CAVITIES Victor Lane, New York, N. Y.

Application October 14, 1950, Serial No. 190,121

8 Claims.

This invention relates to an improved device for use in conjunction with the filling of teeth, this device acting as a means for restoring the area of contact between abutting teeth when a cavity in one of these abutting teeth at the place of contact is filled.

The device is especially adapted for use in conjunction with the filling of bicuspids and molars of human beings. These teeth are relatively square in cross section and have fairly extensive areas of contact between adjacent teeth. Frequently, it is necessary to fill a cavity in a bicuspid or molar, which cavity extends through the occlusive surface of the tooth and also through a side or lateral surface of the tooth in such a manner as to destroy or lessen the area of contact between the decayed tooth and an adjacent tooth.

In filling such a cavity, it is frequently desirable to satisfy three requirements. First, a temporary retaining wall should be placed between the decayed lateral surface of the tooth to be filled and the adjacent lateral surface of the adjacent tooth, this temporary wall to be retained in said position until the cavity is filled and the filling material hardens. Second, this wall should have a suitable opening through which the filling material may flow into abutment with said adjacent lateral surface, so that when this filling material hardens, a suitable area of contact between the two teeth is built up. Third, the wall should be so constructed that it may be readily removed after the filling of the cavity has been completed.

My improved device meets these requirements. I provide a matrix retaining strip which is removably held in a standard matrix holder. I provide two wedges, one of which is fixed to an end of said strip and the other of which is removably mounted on said strip and longitudinally slidable thereon. This trip may be inserted between the decayed lateral tooth surface and the adjacent lateral tooth surface, with the two teeth positioned intermediate these wedges. The matrix holder may be operated so as to draw in this strip and thereby move the movable wedge toward the fixed wedge until the tips of the wedges are wedged between the adjacent teeth.

These wedges, in cooperation with the matrix strip, form a temporary retaining wall between the two teeth. The tips of the wedges are respectively notched so as to provide a gap. Filling material in the cavity is retained by the wall, except that some of the material flows through the gap in the wall into abutment with said adjacent lateral tooth surface. After the filling material hardens, the matrix holder may be disassembled from the strip, and the movable wedge may be removed from said strip. Then the strip may be readily moved longitudinally so as to be withdrawn from between the teeth.

The device is economical to manufacture and convenient to use. Other objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the annexed drawings, in which preferred embodiments are disclosed.

In the drawings,

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing one of the wedges fixed to the matrix strip and showing the movable wedge separated from said strip;

Fig. 2 is a bottom plan view showing the two wedges mounted on the matrix strip;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation showing the parts in the same relative positions as in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3, but showing the slotted ends of the respective wedges in overlapping position;

Fig. 5 is a section on line 55 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the improved device in operative position between two teeth with the matrix strip being shown broken away and with no holder being shown attached to the matrix strip. However, it is understood that a matrix holder is attached to the matrix strip in order to hold the wedges in this operating position; and

Fig. 7 is a top plan view showing the wedges mounted on the matrix strip and also showing a standard matrix holder attached to said matrix strip, said matrix holder having been so operated as to drive the movable wedge toward the fixed wedge to the position of this figure.

As is shown in detail in the drawings, my improved device comprises a matrix strip Ill and a pair of wedges II and I2 which are adapted to be interfitted with said strip l0.

Matrix strip I0 is made of metal and is flexible and is similar to the conventional matrix strip which is frequently used as a tooth-encircling band and for other well-known purposes.

Wedge II is preferably made of metal in one piece. Said wedge H has a bottom face I 4, a rear face [5, a top face I3 and respective side faces 16. In the preferred construction shown in the drawings, side faces I6 are respectively substantially perpendicular to bottom face [4, Iand flasce I4 is substantially perpendicular to rear ace At the rear portion of wedge H, respective faces I6 and faces [3 and I5 are substantially planar, and said rear portion of wedge II has substantially the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. However, bottom face I4 is optionally and preferably slightly concave to form a shallow trough. At the front portion of wed II, side face portions I6a slope toward each other and are slightly concave. The respective front or leading edges I6b of faces I6 are substantially parallel to each other and to the rear edges of said faces I6 and are spaced apart a distance somewhat greater than the thickness of strip III. The height of these respective lea-ding edges I6!) is approximately equal to the width of strip I0.

Also at the front portion of wedge II, top face portion I3a slopes downwardly, and its side edges I3b slope toward each other so that said top face portion I3a is approximately triangular. This top face portion I3a is curved downwardly at its front end to form a notch surface I! which in longitudinal sectionhas approximately the shape of a one-fourth arc of a circle.

I provide a slot I8 in wedge I I. The longitudinal axis of this slot I8 is alined with the longitudinal axis of wedge II, and the transverse axis of slot I8 is substantially perpendicular to wedge faces I3 and I4. Slot I8 opens upon the respective ends of wedge II and upon face I4.

Wedge II is adapted to be removably mounted upon strip II] with said strip I I] positioned within slot I8 and extending beyond the respective ends of wedge II. Slot I8 is wide enough so that wedge II is readily slidable on strip I0. Slot I8 is preferably sufiiciently high so that strip I does not extend below face I4 when wedge II is mounted upon said strip I0.

Wedge I2 is generally similar to wedge II, it being understood that like numerals refer to like parts. However, the construction of wedge I2 is optionally and preferably slightly different from that of wedge II in order to enable said wedge I2 to be fixedly secured to strip I0 and also to permit telescoping of th tips of the two wedges I I and I2.

As is clearly shown in Fig. 2, bottom slot I9 of wedge I2 is widened along its rear portion I9a, and said slot portion I9a communicates with a reartransverse slot 20. One end of strip I8 is bent to form a substantially T-shaped head portion having a transverse arm 2I which is connected to said strip I0, a longitudinal leg 22 which is connected to said arm 2 I, a transverse rear arm 23 which is connected to said leg 22, a second longitudinal leg 24 which is connected to said arm 23, a further transverse arm 25 which is connected to said leg 24 and a leg 26 which is connected to said arm 25 and one face of which abuts one face of strip II].

Wedge I2 is assembled with strip In with said strip I0 extending through slot I9, leg 26 positioned within slot portion I9a and head portion 2|, 22, 23, 24, 25 positioned within slot 20 to serve as end stop means for retaining said wedge I2 on said strip III. A transverse threaded bore 21 is formed in wedge I2, which bore 21 extends throughone side I6 and communicates with slot portion I9a. Set screw 28 may be screwed into this bore 21 into abutment with leg 26 so as releasably to lock wedge I2 on strip III.

Optionally, any suitable means may be provided for fixing wedge I2 to one end of strip III.

As is clearly shown in Figs. 2 and 7, front portion side faces I60 of wedge I2 converge to a greater-extent than correspondingparts I6a of wedge I I, so that front portion upper face I30v and notch surface I'Ia of wedge I2 are very slightly narrower than corresponding parts I3a and I! of wedge I I. Also, as is clearly shown in Figs. 2 and 7, the side walls of slot I8 of wedge II diverge outwardly at the front end of said wedge II to form a mouth IBa into which the tip of wedge I2 is adapted to fit when wedge II is moved along strip I0.

Optionally, any other suitable means for overlapping or telescoping the tapered ends of wedges I I and I2 may be provided.

The improved device comprising wedges II and I2 and matrix strip I0 is adapted to be used with a conventional matrix holder of any suitable type, one of which is shown at in Fig. 7. One end of strip I0 maybe drawn through a suitable aperture in matrix holder base SI and placed in abutment with transverse leg 52 of U-shaped bracket 53. This bracket 53 has a longitudinal arm 56 which slidably abuts base 5I. Screw shank 54 is turnably supported near its head end in suitable bearing means 55 which are attached to base 5I. This shank 54 extends turnably through a threaded bore in transverse leg 51 of bracket 56. Screw head 58 may be turned so as releasabl'y to fix strip I0 between wall 52 and the tip of shank 54.

A knurled knob 59 is mounted between head 58 and bearing means 55 with shank 54 extending turnably through a threaded bore in said knob 59. Knob 59 abuts bearing means 55. By turning knob 59 in one direction, shank 54 and bracket 53 may b moved longitudinally in the direction of bearing means 55, so as to draw strip I0 through the aperture in base 5I. When knob 59 is turned in the opposite direction, the direction of movement of bracket 53 and strip I0 is reversed.

It is therefore apparent that matrix holder 50 serves merely as means for drawing in strip I0 in order to move wedge I I toward wedge I2, and for letting out strip I0 so that wedge II may be released. Any conventional holder 50 may be used, and further description thereof is deemed unnecessary. Matrix holder 50 is not illustrated in Figs. 1-6 but is assumed to be m place in the following description.

The operation of the device is illustrated in conjunction with a set of teeth T shown in Fig. 6. In particularQtooth 40 is shown as liaving a cavity C which extends through the occlusive surface 42 of said tooth 40 and through a side or lateral surface 43 of said tooth 40. This side surface 43 is adjacent tooth 4I.

These teeth 40 and M are shown as molars, although the device is also adapted to be used in filling cavities in bicuspids. In general, my device is particularly suitable for use in filling a cavity in a bicuspid or molar, especially when this cavity extends through a side surface which is adjacent a neighboring tooth.

Taking teeth 40 and M as illustrative of molars or bicus-pids, side surface'43 of tooth 40 normally has a substantial area of contact with tooth M, which area of contact is illustrated as destroyed or partly destroyed by cavity C. The use of my device makes it possible to restore this area of contact between teeth 40 and 4I when cavity C is filled.

After cavity C has been suitably prepared, strip III, which already has wedge I2 mounted thereon in the manner shown in Fig. 1, is placed between teeth 40 and M, preferably in a position wherein Ellie tip of wedge I2 is proximate to teeth 40 and Wedge II is'then placed upon strip I ll In'flie manner described above. Teeth 40 and M are positioned intermediate wedges II and I2, as is shown in Fig. 6. The free end of strip is en-' gaged with matrix holder 50 in the manner described above, and this matrix holder 50 is 0perated to draw in strip and move wedge ll toward wedge 12.

Holder knob 59 is operated until the respective tips of wedges II and 12 are firmly wedged between teeth M! and H in the manner shown in Fig. 6. In this position of the parts of the device, a wall is formed which blocks the opening of cavity C in tooth surface 43. This wall comprises respective faces ifia of wedge I l and I60 of wedge I2 and may optionally include a portion of one face of strip ID. This wall has a notch opening which includes notch surfaces l1 and Ho and may optionally include a portion of th top edge SI of strip H}.

In this wedged position of the device, the tip portions of the respective bottom surfaces M of wedges II and I2 preferably abut the gum (not shown) in which teeth 40 and 4| are embedded. Surfaces l4 are preferably concave in order to conform to the shape of the gum usually encountered. The lower edge B-Z of strip ID preferably is flush with surfaces M and therefore abuts, but does not cut into, the gum. As a result, my device can be used in conjunction with the filling of cavity C even if it extends to the gum.

Cavity C may then be filled in the usual manner with material which is firs-t fiowable and then hardens or sets. While this material is still fiowable, it is contained by wall Ito, I0, I60, except that some of the material fiows through notch I1, 6|, Ha and is contained by the adjacent side surface of tooth 4|. As a result, when the filling material hardens, it fills cavity C and also extends laterally in abutment with tooth 4| so as substantially to restore the original area of contact between teeth 40 and M. The exact size and shape of this restored area of contact depends upon the size, shape and relative positions of teeth 40 and ll, as well as upon the size and shape of wedges II and I2.

In the case of some pairs of teeth 40 and M, wedges II and I2 reach their final wedged positions with the tips thereof in substantial abutment, as in Fig. 7. In that case, the wall blocking cavity C comprises respective wedge surfaces Ida and H30, and the notch in this wall comprises notch surfaces l1 and Ila.

fin the case of other pairs of teeth 40 and M, wedges II and 1'2 fail to meet in their wedged position, as is shown in Figs. 2 and 3. In this case, the wall for cavity C includes that portion of strip H) which is positioned between the tips of wedges II and I2, and the notch includes the upper edge portion 6| of said portion of strip H].

In the case of certain pairs of teeth 40 and 4|, wedges H and I2 overlap in their wedged positions, as is shown in Fig. 4, and this decreases the size of notch 11, Ha. In this position, the tip of wedge I2 is positioned within slot portion [8a of wedge H.

In order to disassemble the device, after cavity C has been filled and the material has hardened across notch 17, BI, Ila, holder knob 59 is operated so as to withdraw matrix holder 50 from strip Ill. Wedge II is moved longitudinally along strip it away fro-m wedge i2 and is then removed from strip ill. Wedge l2 and strip ID are then moved longitudinally so as to move wedge l2 away from teeth 40 and Al and remove strip I0 from between said teeth 40 and 4|. Preferably, top and bottom strip edges 6! and 62 converge slightly toward each other for a short distance from the tip of wedge I2 toward the other end of strip In, so as to facilitate the movement of withdrawal of said strip 10 between the gum and the filling portion which has been shaped by notch l1, l'la.

It is to be noted that the wedging of wedges II and 12 between teeth 40 and 4| may spread these teeth 40 and 4| slightly apart. When wedges H and I2 are removed, the filling portion shaped by notch I1, Ha makes firm contact with tooth 4|. I

I have described a preferred embodiment of my invention, and I have indicated various changes, additions and omissions which can be made therein. Various other changes, additions and omissions may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of my invention.

I claim:

1. A device for use as a temporary wall for blocking a cavity opening in a lateral surface of a tooth, which lateral surface faces an adjacent tooth, said device comprising a longitudinally extending matrix strip which is adapted to be placed between said teeth with the faces of said strip respectively proximate to said lateral surface and to said adjacent tooth, and a pair of wedges, each of said wedges extending longitudinally and having sides which converge longitudinally toward each other at one end thereof to form a tip, each of said wedges having a slot in its lower face which extends the entire length thereof and which also extends transversely to define a lower portion of said wedge located below the top of said slot and an upper portion of said wedge located above the top of said slot, said wedges being adapted to be mounted on said strip by insertin said strip in said slots, with said lower portions of said wedges positioned proximate to the gum of said teeth and with said tips facing each other and respectively positioned forwardly and rearwardly of said teeth and with said upper portions positioned above the upper edge of said strip, at least one of said wedges being longitudinally movable with respect to said strip whereby said Wedges are adapted to be wedged between said teeth to form said temporary wall for blocking said cavity opening in said lateral surface, said temporary wall including the tip-end portions of said upper portions of said wedges which are positioned and opposite said cavity opening in said lateral surface, said temporary wall having a notch positioned opposite and confined to the area of said cavity opening in said lateral surface, said notch resulting from the top surfaces of said wedges respectively converging sharply toward the upper edge of said strip within said tip-end portions of said upper portions of said wedges.

2. A device in accordance with claim 1, in which at least one of said wedges is removable from said strip.

3. A device in accordance with claim 1, in which one of said wedges is fixed on said strip and the longitudinally movable wedge is removable therefrom, the longitudinal edges of said strip converging slightly from the tip end of said fixed edge toward said other wedge.

4. A device in accordance with claim 1, in which the walls of the slot in one of said wedges diverge outwardly at the tip end of said wedge, said slot being adapted to receive the tip of the other wedge whereby to overlap said wedges.

fitAldevice'ior use as atemporary wall for blocking a cavity opening in a lateral surface of a tooth, which lateral surface faces an adja-. cent tooth, said device comprising a longitudinally extending matrix strip which is adapted to b laced between said teeth with the faces of said strip respectively proximate to said lateral surface and to said adjacent tooth, and a pair of wedges, each of said'wedges having a tip which has longitudinally converging sides, said wedges being adapted to be mounted on said strip with said strip extending longitudinally through the lower portion thereof and with the respective lateral axes of said wedges perpendicular to the faces of said strip and with said lower portions positioned proximate to the gum of said teeth and with said tips facing each other and respectively positioned forwardly and rearwardly of said teeth, at least one of said wedges being longitudinally movable with respect to said strip whereby said wedges are adapted to be wedged between said teeth to form said temporary wall for blocking said cavity opening in said lateral surface, said temporary wall including the tipend portions of said wedges which are positioned above said strip and opposite said cavity opening in said lateral surface, said temporary wall havi a notch positioned opposite and confined to the area of said cavity opening in said lateral surface, said notch resulting from the top surfaces of said wedges respectively converging sharply toward the upper edge of said strip within said tip-end portions of said wedges.

6. A device in accordance with claim 5, in which at least one of said wedges is removable i'rorn said strip.

'7. A device for use as a temporary wall for blockin a cavity opening in a lateral surface of a tooth, which lateral surface faces an adjacent tooth, said device comprising a longitudinally extending matrix strip which is adapted to be placed between said teeth with the faces of said strip respectively proximate to said lateral surface and to said adjacent tooth, and a pair of wedges, each of said wedges having a throughand-through longitudinal slot which also extends transversely to define a lower portion 0! said wedge located below the top of said slot and an upper portion of said wedge located above the top of said slot, said wedges being'adapted to be mounted on said strip with said strip extending through said slots and between said wedges and with the tips of said wedges opposing each other, at least one of said wedges being longitudinally slidable on said strip, said wedges being thereby adapted to be wedged between said teeth with their lower portions proximate to the tooth gum to form together with said strip said temporary wall for blocking said cavity opening in said lateral surface, the tips of said wedges being cooperatively shaped to form an opening in said wall when said wedges are brought into wallforming position, said opening communicating with said cavity, said wall otherwise blocking said cavity opening in said lateral surface.

8. A device in accordance with claim 7, in which one of said wedges is fixed on said strip and the longitudinally movable wedge is removable therefrom.

VICTOR. LANE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of recordln the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 368,988 Williams Aug. 30, 1887 388,620 Booth Aug. 28, 1888 

